Santa Claus Arrives at the Salem Riverfront Carousel (VIDEO)

The holiday season was put in motion Friday at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel.

Santa and Mrs. Claus take their first ride of the season on the Carousel. Photo by: Bonnie King

(SALEM) - This is the third year that Santa and Mrs. Claus have arrived in Salem by train. Between rainstorms, at least 250 people gathered to watch for the Portland Western Railroad pull in, Santa and his entourage waving from the caboose.

The special delivery has become a holiday treat for hundreds of area kids and families and an event they’ve been waiting for, well, since last Christmas!

“What we’re trying to create here is a family tradition,” said Marie Bradford, Director of the Riverfront Carousel. “We’ve had calls all week, confirming when Santa would be arriving, and people have been here all morning, some of them arrived at 10:30, waiting.”

Each year, the day after Thanksgiving, kids young and old come to the Riverfront Carousel and wait as patiently as possible for Santa Claus to come to town. Minutes slowly ticked by, and hot chocolate and marshmallows kept little fingers warm during the wait.

And then, just after 12 noon, the train whistle blew.

The excited crowd welcomed Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elf, escorted by the Conductor, just like in the Polar Express, as they exited the train. The group from the North Pole was greeted with hugs all around, and then they headed for the carousel, where Santa will be available to visit with through December. He does take short breaks, however.

Santa led the festivities with his first carousel ride of the year, then settled down in his sleigh to hear some Christmas wishes.

“We do have breakfast with Santa in the month of December scheduled, and tea with Mrs. Claus, so make your reservations soon.,” Marie Bradford reminded us. “This is the place to be. This is where we all believe.”

For dates and times to visit Santa at the Riverfront Carousel, visit salemcarousel.org, or the Salem-News.com events calendar.

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